'He can definitely be in the first four' - trainer bullish over Derby outsider

The 2022 Flat season is well under way and it is full steam ahead to next month's Epsom Classics, the Cazoo Derby and Cazoo Oaks.

Market movers come thick and fast as the key Classic trials are run in Britain and Ireland, but big-race contenders can come from anywhere and it's easy to miss a potential dark horse. Classic Clues has you covered.

Here's a recap of Monday's news and how it has impacted the Classic betting, while we mark your card with key names to note on Tuesday.

Monday round-up: Classic hopefuls have a taste of Epsom

Monday gave a host of trainers an idea of how their Derby and Oaks contenders would handle the track as Epsom hosted the Cazoo Derby gallops morning.

Among the Classic hopefuls on show was Ralph Beckett's Sandown Classic Trial winner Westover, who impressed under jockey Rob Hornby. The trainer was sweet on his chances of making the frame on June 4 afterwards.

Another to test out the famous undulations was Guineas fourth Eydon, who took the Listed Feilden Stakes before trying his luck in the Newmarket Classic, but trainer Roger Varian was quick to warn punters that his Derby hopeful may be rerouted to the French equivalent instead.

Oaks favourite Emily Upjohn, trained by John and Thady Gosden, was also at the Surrey track, exercising stylishly under Frankie Dettori. The Musidora winner was following in familiar footsteps as the yard also used this event for subsequent Epsom Classic winners Taghrooda and Golden Horn.

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby also revealed that Listed Newmarket Stakes winner Nations Pride could be supplemented for the Derby. A final decision will be made after the Teofilo colt works on Wednesday.

Market movers

Cazoo Oaks
Concert Hall 8-1 (from 10)

What they say

Ralph Beckett, trainer of Westover

I thought it was good work and it was all positive because these things can go the wrong way. I think he's got a genuine chance of being in the mix. Do I think he can win? That would be a big shout, but he can definitely be in the first four.

Roger Varian, trainer of Eydon

His work looked very good and very smooth and I was pleased with what I saw, although I feel the feedback from a jockey is more important on a gallops day like this and David [Egan] was very upbeat and happy. It's worth noting he's still in the Jockey Club [French Derby] and he's not a guaranteed Epsom starter. He'll be left in both races and it could be a late call.

John Gosden, trainer of Emily Upjohn

She's had three races in her life and Frankie thought it would be nice to come here and have a look and feel of the track, which is all you're doing. We've done it before and she behaved great and moved very well. She got her leads right coming down the hill and quickened up nicely.

I think mentally she'll benefit a lot from coming here. I think she rather enjoyed her morning out. She'd be happy on good ground, but I hope we don't get torrential rain. That would be unfortunate, but good, good to soft would be fine, and she'd handle it rattling quick.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Nations Pride

He’ll work on Wednesday then we’ll make a decision as to whether to supplement him for Epsom on Monday. We’re hoping we will – there’s only one Derby and you only want to go there if you think you can win it. He has a great profile for the race and ticks the most boxes out of our three possible runners.

All eyes on . . . Chairman

Although there won't be any clues for runners taking part in the Epsom Classics on Tuesday, there could be a welcome form boost for the Charlie Appleby-trained Blue Riband Trial winner Nahanni, who is a best-priced 25-1 shot for the Derby.

Chairman takes his place in the 1m2f handicap at Bath (2.50), looking to help frank the form of Nahanni's Leicester novice win when he defeated the Martyn Meade-trained three-year-old by nine lengths.

Chairman was successful on his next start in a Salisbury maiden and will look to prove he is better than a mark of 83.

How the markets look

Cazoo Oaks (4.30 Epsom, June 3)

Sky Bet: 10-11 Emily Upjohn, 5 Tuesday, Nashwa, 8 Concert Hall, 9 With The Moonlight, 12 Tranquil Lady, 14 Above The Curve, 16 History, Life Of Dreams, Thoughts Of June, Life Of Dreams, 25 bar

Cazoo Derby (4.30 Epsom, June 4)

bet365: 9-4 Desert Crown, 5-2 Stone Age, 15-2 Piz Badile, 8 Changingoftheguard, 12 United Nations, 14 Star Of India, 16 Walk Of Stars, 18 Westover, Eydon, 25 bar

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